Synthesis of hyperbranched-linear star block copolymers by atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene using hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane) (HBPS) macroinitiator

Hyperbranched-linear star block copolymers, hyperbranched poly(siloxysilane)-block-polystyrene (HBPS-b-PSt), were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene in xylene, using bromoester-terminated HBPS (HBPS-Br (P3), M_n = 7500, M_w/M_n = 1.76) as a macroinitiator. The number-average molecular weights of the obtained polymers (M_n) were in the range of 21,800-60,000 and molecular weight distributions were unimodal throughout the reaction (M_w/M_n = 1.28-1.40). These polymers showed 5 wt.% decomposition temperature (T_d5) over 300 °C. The DSC thermograms of the resulting polymers indicated two glass transition temperatures (T_g). The T_g of HBPS segment shifted to higher value while the T_g of PSt segment shifted to lower value compared with those of the homopolymers. Preliminary physical characterization related to the solution viscosity of the resulting block copolymers is also reported.     

Broad absorbing low-bandgap polythiophene derivatives incorporating separate and content-tunable benzothiadiazole and carbazole moieties for polymer solar cells

Three novel low-bandgap (LGB) conjugated polythiophenes (PThBTD_mCz_n) incorporating separate and content-tunable benzothiadiazole and carbazole moieties have been designed and synthesized for application in bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells (PSCs). The absorption spectral, thermal, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of the random copolymers were investigated. Broad absorption from a single polymer covering the visible region from 300 to 800 nm was observed, which was ideal for highly efficient harvesting of the solar spectrum. DSC analysis showed that the polymers readily crystallized, indicating highly ordered intermolecular packing, which is beneficial for efficient charge-carrier transport. Electrochemical studies indicate desirable HOMO/LUMO levels that enable a high open-circuit voltage while blending them with fullerene derivatives as electron acceptors. Polymer solar cells using 1:1 or 1:2 wt/wt polymer: PC₆₁BM (methanofullerene [6,6-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester] blends as the photoactive layers were fabricated and characterized. The preliminary investigation on the photovoltaic device of the PThBTD_mCz_n polymers gave similar power conversion efficiency of 1.1-1.2% with V_oc of 0.64-0.68 V under simulated solar light AM 1.5 G (100 mW/cm²).     

Microwave-assisted McMurry polymerization utilizing low-valent titanium for the synthesis of poly 2,6-[1,5-bis(dodecyloxy)naphthylene vinylene] (PNV)

Poly 2,6-[1,5-bis(dodecyloxy)naphthylene vinylene] is synthesized by microwave-assisted McMurry polymerization utilizing low-valent titanium generated from titanium tetrachloride and zinc. The obtained polymer is fluorescent with an average molecular weight of approximately 65,000 g/mol and a polydispersity of M_w/M_n ≈ 3. Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy in solution and on spin-cast thin films reveal that the bis-alkoxy substituted PNV has a short effective conjugation length but a quite efficient exciton migration.     

Living radical polymerisation in heterogeneous conditions—suspension polymerisation

Transition metal mediated living radical polymerisation of butyl methacrylate has been demonstrated with a copper(I) halide N-alkyl-2-pyridylmethanimine ligands based catalyst. Optimum conditions were found to be with copper(I) chloride and N-octyl-2-pyridylmethanimine catalyst at 65 °C where conversions of 85% were achieved with polymers of M_n = 8900 g mol⁻¹ (theoretical = 8400 g mol⁻¹) and PDI = 1.23. Both non-ionic and ionic surfactants were employed which were also made by living radical polymerisation. The non-ionic surfactant was a block copolymer of PMMA from a polyethyleneglycol macroinitiator (total M_n = 7600 g mol⁻¹, PDI = 1.20) and the ionic surfactant PDMEAMA-PMMA (total M_n = 8000 g mol⁻¹, PDI = 1.21) with the PDMEAMA block quaternized with MeI (13.8%, 28.4%, 47.7% and 100%). A range of ligands were employed in the suspension polymerisation by varying the alkyl group on the ligand increasing the hydrophobicity (alkyl = propyl (PrMI), pentyl (PMI), octyl (OMI), dodecyl (DMI) and octadecyl (ODMI)). The more hydrophobic ligands were found to be more effective due to lower partitioning into the aqueous phase. Block copolymers of P(EMA)-P(BMA) and P(MMA)-P(BMA) were prepared by first preparing macroinitiators via living radical polymerisation (M_n = 1600 g mol⁻¹ (PDI = 1.23) for P(EMA) and M_n = 1500 g mol⁻¹ (PDI = 1.22) for P(MMA)) and using them for initiation of BMA in suspension polymerisation. Block copolymers had M_n between 12,800 and 13,700 g mol⁻¹ with PDI between 1.33 and 1.54. Block copolymer growth showed excellent linear first order kinetics wrt monomer and demonstrated characteristics expected of a living radical polymerisation. Particle sizes were measured by SEM and DLS with good agreement (1.4-2.8 μm) and SEM showed spherical particles were formed.     

Vinyl addition polymerization of norbornene catalyzed by β-iminoamine Ni(II) complexes/methylaluminoxane systems

Two nickel(II) complexes (A and B) bearing β-iminoamine ligands, [2-(ArNCH)-C₆H₄-NMe₂] (La, Ar = 2,6-i-Pr₂C₆H₃; Lb, Ar = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and ¹H NMR. X-ray crystal structure of complex B reveals that the six-membered chelate ring adopts a envelope conformation, with nickel(II) atom deviating from the plane of backbone aromatic ring by 1.164 Å. In the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO), both complexes showed moderate activities of 10⁵ g mol_Ni⁻¹ h⁻¹ for norbornene polymerization. β-iminoamine Ni(II)/MAO catalysts gave unimodal polymers (M_w, 3.16-8.02 × 10⁵ g/mol) with a relatively narrow MWD (M_w/M_n, 1.59-2.14), indicative of single-site catalyst behavior. The obtained polymers are vinyl-type polynorbornenes (PNBs), which are soluble in common solvents such as toluene, cyclohexane and dichlorobenzene.     

Effect of spacer insertion in a commonly used dithienosilole/benzothiadiazole-based low band gap copolymer for polymer solar cells

Dithienosilole-benzothiadiazole based low bandgap copolymers remain promising material for organic photovoltaics. A new copolymer, poly[(4,4′-dioctyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-2,6-diyl)-alt-{4,7-bis[2-(3-hexyl)thienyl]-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-5,5′-diyl}] (PDTSDTBT) was designed by introducing a thiophene spacer bearing a hexyl chain at β-position in the main backbone and compared to its analog poly[(4,4′-dioctyldithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]silole-2,6-diyl)-alt-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl)] (PDTSBT). In PDTSDTBT, linear alkyl chains on silicon were chosen due to facile and cheap access and the inserted 3-hexylthiophene units were chosen to increase solubility and molar mass, a weak point with PDTSBT. The two parameters are important to optimize photovoltaic performances. To compare characteristics, PDTSDTBT of molar masses greater than, and equal to a sample of PDTSBT, were prepared. Pd-catalyzed Stille cross-coupling reactions in a micro-wave reactor to promote an efficient copolymerisations. A strong absorption ranging from 370 nm to 800 nm and a good thermal stability were observed. PDTSDTBT showed better solubility and higher degree of crystallinity. Facile synthesis of high molar masses meant that higher efficiencies, around 40% greater, could be obtained with PDTSDTBT. The polymer was demonstrated to be susceptible to improvement through the use of device-additives. For example, under initial optimisations using PDTSDTBT:PC₆₀BM blend at a ratio of 1:1 delivered a power conversion efficiency of 2.13% with J_SC = 7.73 (mA/cm²), under AM 1.5 (100 mW/cm²) illumination.     

Thermal and rheological behaviours of some random aromatic amino-ended polyethersulfone/polyetherethersulfone copolymers

The thermal and rheological characterizations of seven random, low molecular weight (M_n ≅ 9500 g mol⁻¹), H₂N-ended polyethersulfone/polyetherethersulfone (PES/PEES) copolymers, at various PES/PEES ratios, were performed. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) were determined by DSC. Degradations were carried out in a thermobalance, under flowing nitrogen, in dynamic heating conditions from 35 °C to 650 °C. The initial decomposition temperatures (T_i) and the half decomposition temperatures (T_1/2) were directly determined by TG curves, while the apparent activation energies of degradation (E_a) were obtained by the Kissinger method. In addition, the complex viscosities (η^∗) of the molten polymers were determined in experimental conditions of linear viscoelasticity. T_g, E_a and η^∗ values increased linearly with PES% content, while T_i and T_1/2 values showed opposite behaviour. In every case both PES and PEES homopolymers felt outside linearity. The results obtained are discussed and interpreted, and compared with those of corresponding Cl-ended copolymers previously studied.     

Surface structure of thin asymmetric PS-b-PMMA diblock copolymers investigated by atomic force microscopy

Asymmetric poly(styrene-b-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) diblock copolymers of molecular weight M_n = 29,700 g mol⁻¹ (M_PS = 9300 g mol⁻¹M_PMMA = 20,100 g mol⁻¹, PD = 1.15, χ_PS = 0.323, χ_PMMA = 0.677) and M_n = 63,900 g mol⁻¹ (M_PS = 50,500 g mol⁻¹, M_PMMA = 13,400 g mol⁻¹, PD = 1.18, χ_PS = 0.790, χ_PMMA = 0.210) were prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to investigate the surface structure of thin films, prepared by spin-coating the diblock copolymers on a silicon substrate. We show that the nanostructure of the diblock copolymer depends on the molecular weight and volume fraction of the diblock copolymers. We observed a perpendicular lamellar structure for the high molar mass sample and a hexagonal-packed cylindrical patterning for the lower molar mass one. Small-angle X-ray scattering investigation of these samples without annealing did not reveal any ordered structure. Annealing of PS-b-PMMA samples at 160 °C for 24 h led to a change in surface structure.     

Synthesis of tertiary-butyl acrylate polymers and preparation of diblock copolymers using atom transfer radical polymerization

The synthesis of tert-butyl acrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. This polymer was prepared using FeCl₂ · 4H₂O(PPh₃)₂ catalyst system in conjunction with methyl 2-bromopropionate as initiator, in bulk and in solution using acetone as a solvent. The addition of solvent was necessary in order to decrease the polymerization rate and to afford low polydispersity polymers. The number-average molecular weights of the resulting polymers increased in direct proportion to the monomer conversion, and the polydispersities (M_w/M_n) were as low as 1.2. In addition, the preparation of an AB diblock copolymer of poly (n-butyl methacrylate)-block-poly (tert-butyl acrylate) by ATRP is reported. The resulting polymers and copolymers were characterized by means of size exclusion chromatography and ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy.     

Two novel triphenylamine-substituted poly(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives: synthesis, photo- and electroluminescent properties

Two novel triphenylamine-substituted poly(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives, P1 and P2, have been successfully synthesized through the Witting-Horner reaction. The structures and properties of the monomers and the resulting polymers were characterized by using ¹H NMR, FT-IR, GPC, TGA, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electroluminescence (EL) spectroscopy. The obtained polymers exhibited good thermal stability and high photoluminescence quantum yield (0.42-0.90). The polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) with the configuration of ITO/PEDOT/polymers/Ca/Al were fabricated. The single-layer device based on P1 and P2 emitted stable blue and yellow light with the turn-on voltage of 4 and 6 V, respectively. The maximum luminance of 3003 cd/m² at 10 V was obtained for device P2.     

Core-shell type multiarm star poly(ε-caprolactone) with high molecular weight hyperbranched polyethylenimine as core: Synthesis, characterization and encapsulation properties

Core-shell type multiarm star copolymers with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) as shells and hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) as core have been successfully prepared by the Sn(Oct)₂ catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) using high molecular weigh PEIs directly as macroinitiators. The initiation efficiency is in the range of 91-95% for PEI with M_n = 10⁴ (PEI10K) and only around 60% for PEI with M_n = 2.5 × 10⁴ (PEI25K), leading to star polymers with an average arm number in the range of 155-276. The thermal property of the obtained multiarm star polymers were also investigated by DSC. The melting and crystallization temperatures of the star polymers increase as the PCL arm length increases when the PEI core is fixed. The fusion enthalpy, crystalline enthalpy and degree of crystallinity values of the star polymers with PEI10K core are less than those with PEI1.8K core. Due to the polarity difference between PCL arm and PEI core, the resulting multiarm star polymers can act as inverted micellar nanocapsules capable of extracting and encapsulating water soluble guests. Increasing the size and polarity of the hydrophilic PEI core of the star nanocapsules are two effective ways to enhance their hydrophilic guest encapsulation capacity. Increasing the hydrophobic PCL arm length can increase the molar ratio, whereas reduce the weight ratio of the encapsulated hydrophilic guests to the star nanocapsules. Unexpectedly, the obtained nanocapsules can entrap the bigger size hydrophilic congo red guests more than the smaller size methyl orange.     

Synthesis and optical properties of fluorene and p-phenylenevinylene copolymers containing non-conjugated spacer

A series of alternating fluorene and p-phenylenevinylene copolymers containing non-conjugated spacer have been synthesized through the Wittig polycondensation reaction. These amorphous copolymers are highly soluble in common organic solvents and can be spin-cast to obtain transparent films. The effects of non-conjugated spacers in the main chain and the methoxyl groups on the side chain on the thermal behavior, photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL) properties of these copolymers have been investigated in detail. Single-layered light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been fabricated in the configuration of ITO/PEDOT/copolymer/Ca/Al and emitted blue light in the range of 456-492 nm. The measurements of current vs voltage show turn-on voltages at 6.2-12.4 V. Among the LEDs based on the six copolymers, the maximum EL brightness and efficiency of the LED based on P1 containing 4CH₂ aliphatic segment length in the main chain and without methoxyl groups on side chain are reached 3936 cd/m² and 0.70 cd/A, respectively.     

Thermotropic polyesters. 2: Synthesis, characterization and thermal transitions of copolyesters containing 4,4′-bis (ω-alkyloxy) biphenyl isophthalate units

Thermotropic copolyesters containing an isophthalate unit and mesogenic 4, 4′-bis (ω-hydroxyalkyloxy) biphenyls (n = 3, 4, 6) with different numbers of methylene units have been synthesized by melt polymerization. The number-average molar mass (M_n) was estimated from end group analysis by ¹H NMR. The copolymer compositions were also obtained from ¹H NMR. The thermal behavior of the copolymers containing even-even (n = 4, 6) and odd-even (n = 3, 4) pairings has been investigated and is also compared with that of the analogous homopolymers. The copolymers exhibit reduced melting point and extending liquid crystalline range identified using polarizing microscopy and DSC. All of the obtained compounds were characterized by conventional spectroscopic methods.     

Reverse atom transfer radical polymerisation (RATRP) of methacrylates using copper(I)/pyridinimine catalysts in conjunction with AIBN

N-n-Propyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 1, N-n-octyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 2, N-n-lauryl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 3, and N-n-octadecyl-2-pyridylmethanimine, 4 have been used in conjunction with copper(II) bromide and azo initiators for the reverse atom transfer radical polymerisation of a range of methacrylates. AIBN to Cu^IIBr₂ ratios of 0.5:1, 0.75:1 and 1:1 give PMMA with M_n 11 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.24) (at 22% conversion), 12 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.06) (at 83% conversion) and 10 900 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.11) (at 84% conversion), respectively. A Cu^IIBr₂ complex is demonstrated to be needed at the start of the reaction for good control over molecular weight and polydispersity as reactions using Cu(I)Br as catalyst yielded PMMA of M_n 31 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 2.90), reactions with no copper yield PMMA of M_n 33 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 2.95). The RATRP of styrene was carried out using Cu^IIBr₂ as catalyst. AIBN to Cu^IIBr₂ ratio of 0.5:1, 0.75:1 and 1:1 gave PS with M_n = 12 400 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.27) at low conversion, M_n = 15 500 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.11) and 12 400 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.38), respectively at ∼85% conversion. A series of block copolymers of MMA with BMA, BzMA and DMEAMA (15 600 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.18), 13 300 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.14) 15 300 g mol⁻¹ (PDi) = 1.16), using a PMMA macroinitiator were prepared. Emulsion polymerisation of MMA using [initiator]:[Cu^(II)Br₂] ratio = 0.5:1 with Brij surfactant gave a linear increase of M_n with respect to conversion, final M_n = 112 800 g mol⁻¹ (PDi = 1.42). Further reactions were carried out with [initiator]:[Cu^(II)Br₂] ratio = 0.75:1 and 1:1. Both giving PMMA with M_n ∼ 32 000 g mol⁻¹ (PDi ∼ 2.4). These reactions exhibit no control, this is because the azo initiator is present in excess and all of the monomer is consumed by a free radical polymerisation as opposed to a controlled reaction. Particle size analysis (DLS) showed the particle size between 160 and170 nm in all cases.     

Metathesis copolymerization of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and norbornene with electrochemically generated WCl6-based active species

The copolymerization of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and norbornene in the presence of an electrochemically generated WCl₆-based catalyst was investigated. This copolymer was isolated and characterized by ¹H, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy to analyse in detail the nature of homo- and heterodyad units and GPC analysis (Mn = 11200, PDI = 2.0). Homopolymerizations of 1,5-cyclooctadiene and norbornene were also studied and resulting polymers were characterized by spectroscopic methods to discuss with copolymers. Glass-transition temperatures of homo- and copolymers were determined by DSC.     

Thermal and rheological behaviour of some random aromatic polyethersulfone/polyetherethersulfone copolymers

The thermal and rheological behaviour of seven random Cl-ended aromatic PES/PEES copolymers (M_n ≈ 9500 g mol⁻¹), at various PES/PEES repeating unit ratios, was studied. The glass transition temperatures (T_g), determined by DSC experiments, showed a dependence on copolymer composition significantly different from the ideal linear behaviour expected on the basis of Fox equation. Degradations were carried out in the scanning mode, under flowing nitrogen, in the temperature range 35-650 °C and a single degradation stage was observed for all copolymers. The initial decomposition temperatures (T_i) and the half decomposition temperatures (T_1/2) were directly determined by TG curves, while the apparent activation energies of degradation (E_a) were obtained by the Kissinger method. In addition, the complex viscosity (η^∗) of molten copolymers was determined in experimental conditions of linear viscoelasticity. T_i, T_1/2, E_a, and η^∗ values were depending on copolymer composition, showing a trend similar to that of T_g values. The results obtained were discussed and interpreted.     

Poly(methylmethacrylate-dimethylsiloxane) triblock copolymers synthesized by transition metal mediated living radical polymerization: bulk and surface characterization

Well-defined poly(MMA-b-DMS-b-MMA) triblock copolymers were prepared by copper(I) mediated living radical polymerization. This was achieved by polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA) with different concentrations of 2-bromoisobutyrate terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The polymerization occurred in controlled manner with the molecular weight found by ¹H NMR close to that predicted and a narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n∼1.2). Copolymers were obtained with M_n=2100, 4900, 10 100 and 29 500 g mol⁻¹ respectively with poly(MMA) (PMMA) terminal blocks and a central PDMS block of 5500 g mol⁻¹ in each case.DSC analysis showed most of the poly(MMA-b-DMS-b-MMA) triblock copolymers exhibits two T_g’s, one at low temperature corresponding to the T_g of PDMS microphase and a second at high temperature corresponding to the T_g of the PMMA microphase. TEM images show microphase segregation morphology in bulk for the triblock copolymers, with a higher degree of segregation for copolymers containing higher PDMS content. XPS measurements were performed to determine the chemical composition at the surface. For all the copolymers PDMS enrichment is observed at the surface. Copolymers containing higher percentage of PDMS exhibit higher phase separation and better enrichment of PDMS at the surface. The surface tension determined by contact angle measurements of the copolymer film containing 59 mol% of PDMS was 19.15 mN m⁻¹.     

Phase behavior of biodegradable amphiphilic poly(l,l-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(l,l-lactide)

This study describes the miscibility phase behavior in two series of biodegradable triblock copolymers, poly(l-lactide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA-PEG-PLLA), prepared from two di-hydroxy-terminated PEG prepolymers (M_n = 4000 or 600 g mol⁻¹) with different lengths of poly(l-lactide) segments (polymerization degree, DP = 1.2-145.6). The prepared block copolymers presented wide range of molecular weights (800-25,000 g mol⁻¹) and compositions (16-80 wt.% of PEG). The copolymer multiphases coexistance and interaction were evaluated by DSC and TGA. The copolymers presented a dual stage thermal degradation and decreased thermal stability compared to PEG homopolymers. In addition, DSC analyses allowed the observation of multiphase separation; the melting temperature, T_m, of PLLA and PEG phases depended on the relative segment lengths and the only observed glass transition temperature (T_g) in copolymers indicated miscibility in the amorphous phase.     

Bis(pyrrolide-imine) Ti complexes with MAO: A new family of high performance catalysts for olefin polymerization

This contribution reports on the syntheses, structures and olefin polymerization behavior of Ti complexes having a pair of chelating pyrrolide-imine [N⁻,N] ligands. X-ray analyses as well as ¹H NMR studies demonstrate that bis(pyrrolide-imine) Ti complexes (named PI Catalysts) contain approximately octahedrally coordinated metal centers with mutually trans-pyrrolide-Ns, cis-imine-Ns and cis-Cls. DFT studies suggest that PI Catalysts, when activated, provide a metal alkyl in the cis position to a vacant coordination site for monomer binding. These theoretical studies also show that the active species derived from PI Catalysts normally possess higher electrophilicity and a sterically more open nature compared with those produced using bis(phenoxy-imine) Ti complexes (Ti-FI Catalysts) which are known as high performance olefin polymerization catalysts. These structural as well as electronic features suggest that PI Catalysts have high potential for the polymerization of olefinic monomers.Unlike high performance Ti-FI Catalysts, PI Catalysts do not require the presence of steric bulk in close proximity to the anionic donor. PI Catalysts combined with MAO display high ethylene polymerization activities (max. 33,200 kg-polymer/mol-cat/h, 25 °C, atmospheric pressure) comparable to those obtained with early group 4 metallocene catalysts (e.g., Cp₂TiCl₂ 16,700 kg-polymer/mol-cat/h) under identical conditions. As expected, PI Catalysts exhibit higher incorporation capability for propylene and 1-hexene relative to FI Catalysts though the incorporation levels are lower than those for Cp₂TiCl₂. To our surprise, PI Catalysts/MAO show remarkably high norbornene (NB) incorporation, superior to that seen with the [Me₂Si(Me₄Cp)N-tBu]TiCl₂ (CGC) catalyst system, and they readily form ethylene-NB copolymers with high NB contents. The highly electrophilic and sterically open nature is probably responsible for the high NB affinity. Additionally, PI Catalysts/MAO possess characteristics of living ethylene polymerization (though under limited conditions) and afford high molecular weight PEs with very narrow molecular weight distributions (M_n 225,000, M_w/M_n 1.15, 10-s polymerization, 25 °C). Moreover, these catalysts can copolymerize ethylene and NB in a highly controlled living manner to afford monodisperse alternating copolymers with very high molecular weights (M_n > 500,000, M_w/M_n < 1.2) at room temperature. This unique living nature allows the preparation of a number of ethylene- and NB-based block copolymers, including PE-b-poly(ethylene-co-NB) and poly(ethylene-co-NB)_a-b-poly(ethylene-co-NB)_b, in which each segment contains a different NB content. These are probably the first examples of the syntheses of block copolymers from ethylene and NB. Consequently, the discovery and application of PI Catalysts has exercised a significant influence on olefin polymerization catalysis and polymer synthesis.     

Application of heteroleptic iridium complexes with fluorenyl-modified 1-phenylisoquinoline ligand for high-efficiency red polymer light-emitting devices

A series of new heteroleptic iridium complexes bearing fluorenyl-modified 1-phenylisoquinoline as the first ligand and different ancillary ligands has been prepared and characterized. These complexes bis(1-(3-(9,9-dimethyl-fluoren-2-yl)phenyl)isoquinoline-C2,N′)iridium(III)acetylacetonate(Ir(DMFPQ)₂acac)), bis(1-(3-(9,9-dimethyl-fluoren-2-yl)phenyl)isoquinoline-C2,N′)iridium(III)(3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazolate)(Ir(DMFPQ)₂pt) and bis(1-(3-(9,9-dimethyl-fluoren-2-yl)phenyl)isoquinoline-C2,N′)iridium(III)(2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazolate)(Ir(DMFPQ)₂pbi) showed red phosphorescent emissions of 615-630 nm in dichloromethane solution. The device fabricated with these complexes doped into a host polyfluorene (PFO) blend with 30% of an electron transport material 2-(4-biphenyl)-5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (PBD) showed high device efficiencies. Ir(DMFPQ)₂acac exhibited red emission with an external quantum efficiency(η_ext) of 14.3% and luminous efficiency(η_c) of 7.8 cd/A at 1.2 mA/cm² and the maximum brightness reached 10 006 cd/m² (Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage(CIE) chromaticity coordinates: (0.67, 0.32)) at 412 mA/cm². Ir(DMFPQ)₂pt showed a η_ext of 13.0% and η_c of 9.2 cd/A at 17 mA/cm², 1532 cd/m², and the maximum brightness reached 15085 cd/m² (CIE: 0.64, 0.34) at 360 mA/cm².